Testing the FASTEST Road Bike Money Can Buy 

These bikes don't actually weigh 17KG, that should be in pounds 😂

Actual Weight: Scott Foil: 7.62 kg Winspace: 7.89 kg

Americans trying to use the metric system

Summary: all results are within margin of error.

What it all goes to show is that any given bike is barely any faster or slower than any other at a high level. Diminishing returns for your money are massive once you go past a certain point.

One thing I would love to see is you do 3-5 runs on the exact same set up and power to see the natural variation in laps. That would add clarity to a 5 second difference in your testing.

I appreciate these videos Jeff! Having ridden/tested frames from the likes of Winspace, Yoeleo, and then purchasing a Giant Propel Advanced Pro...there are discernible differences. But not as significant as one may think. The T1500 is an entire value proposition is is difficult to beat.

When I see proprietary, I run the other direction.

I would love to see a video about a race gravel bike (e.g. Crux) with road wheels & tires vs. a road bike (e.g. Tarmac)

I'd love to see a comparison between the 11k bike and a 10 year old steel frame bike with rim brakes and exposed cables but deep section wheels.

I put 32mm tires on my Scott Foil with no issues

Just built my T1550 with mechanical ultegra, just under 4k and couldn’t be happier

Awesome content. Thanks for putting the time in for things like this.

Jeff you know what I think would be a cool test: get some of your buddies to ride around a loop at a fixed speed while you draft behind them. Test if different bikes take different amount of watts to do the same speed. I feel like I have only heard speculation about whether aero features matter at all when you're in a good draft. ie: is a totally non aero-optimized bike any worse when you're drafting?

My first bike was a Van Rysel Ultra CF with Ican wheels. 2 years after i was dreaming about an aero bike and saw few videos of the Winspace T1500 on youtube 3 years ago (specially on Charles Ouimet channel). I bought it with the Hypers 50mm wheel set, built it with an Ultegra 11 speed mechanical groupset, Prime Primevera aero carbon bar, Zipp carbon stem etc... I will never buy a big brand name frame set or wheel set, i'm so happy with what i have for the money i spent !

Paintjob (Scott), my ass. English speaking customer service is exellent at Winspace. Bought a wheelset from them, and also asked a lot of questions about bikes. Answers right away, and with flawless grammar.

Good video, Scott still use those ridiculously wide bars where on your Winspace they are nice and narrow. I have found narrow bars to make a massive difference.

I haven't heard English or tech/sales support to be difficult with Winspace, if anything, it's been really good. A better experience than what my friends had to deal with when their Scott mountain bikes had broken chainstays. They were both forced to buy aluminum rear triangles for their Scott Sparks and waited almost 8 months for the LBS to get their act together to warranty the carbon rear triangles from Scott. Just to be clear, though, none of my friends have had issues with their Winspace or Yeoleo bikes, just lots of back and forth communication to verify proper spec's.

I believe you explained the entire narrative perfectly....all of it. I didn't expect much difference between these two bikes and of course, there isn't much. But for those less fit than you which is me and most, the compliancy of the Scott matters for fatigue, perhaps greatly due to reduced pedal forces and more road harshness telegraphed to the body for those that don't lay down the watts like you do Jeff which is most, you being an elite amateur racer. Not much difference between these wheels as somewhat expected at lower speeds tested at sub 300 watts and related road speed. The 'hype' and difference between aero performance which again you properly touched upon is amplifed at 'higher speed' which weaker riders like myself don't spend much time at, but you do in your crit racing. All makes sense and thank you for your video....including wider tires being faster.

16,8 lbs = 7,62 kg. 17,4 lbs = 7,89 kg.

Nice, I would love to see efficiency comparative tests over different incline grades, personal experience: a 80% incline sends any road group-set gear ratio to the bin, but i always wondered about the efficiency when a jogger can keep a cyclist pace no problem in a hard uphill

1:46 The weights say kg, but they should be lbs.

You need to test your suspicion. I think the design criteria for aero "gains" tends to be at the 40kph or higher range. We know aerodynamics changes at speed. Tooling around at 20-22mph won't be the same as race speeds, which I would argue at men's elite level would start around 25mph up to about 30mph depending on the course. It would be great to see the same test at "race speeds". I know that's tough as far as pushing those watts solo for 15 minutes at a time, but would still be great to see that kind of test for the guys who really spend time off the front or in the wind where aerodynamics matters a whole lot. If you are sitting in the peloton, it won't make much difference at all.

my new canyon aeroad has a proprietary cockpit too. older version didn't, but...big pain in the ass, especially since the cockpit isn't sold for individual purchase

THANK YOU. I have been waiting for a video like this. I see some people spending $8k+ on a bike just to be on a group ride and always wondered if is worth it. Staying with 50mm wheels just for the climbing.

It's not perfectly easy to conclude since theres an overall negative correlation between run # and time (results may be biased by run order due to change in weather conditions or something else), but the winspace appears faster. This could have been fixed by doing just one more run with the scott + 50mm wheels since it appears the slowest, and so would either break the correlation if theres no run order bias or continue the negative correlation if there is. I have to think if you throw 32mm tires on the winspace, it would be even more so, which you cant do with the scott. Plus that might help the comfort issue. Sweet video.

If you could ever get your hands on the Wheeltop EDS electronic shifting, I'd love to hear a review on that compared to a Shimano or SRAM group. I know it's not available in US, but maybe as a "review kit" it's possible. The fact that it's available in a rim brake version for older frames is appealing. thanks for the creative content!!

Amazing video ! I think it will be intresting to test the new tarmac sl8 against a real aero bike like the scott foil and to see what would be the best option: a real aero bike or a allround comfort bike.

Might be hard to test but I've always wanted to know the effect that cross-chaining vs efficient drive train alignment. IE little ring, little sprocket vs big ring little, sprocket or something similar

Hey Jeff. If you were to buy the Winspace as a fully built bike with a top end groupset/wheelset from an incountry agent/reseller it would be a fair bit more than $4k. Not least the retailer markup. Also with a Scott you get a 5 year warranty and can purchase a frame at half price if you break it. I think that closes the gap between the two, not all the way of course, Swiss made products are always pricey.

Hey Jeff, if I remember right you used to wear an Evade 3, would love to see a comparison between the Kask and Evade and any other aero road helmets, I would expect you won't be able to see differences in speed but comments on comfort and ventilation for some various road helmets would be good. The POC Ventral, Specialized Propero 4 and Trek Ballista would be some other good comparisons if you can get your hands on them.

If you need a longer stem on the Scott foil you have to pay what I paid for my entire bike. Nice proprietary Lock in. Double check your tire width tests. Repeated testing has shown that what's most important is that the tire makes a smooth transition for the air to the rim. Wider tires are certainly not faster when narrower tires transition smoothly.

clear win for winspace

That was awesome.I run wind space wheels on my bike.I have an obey orca I run the D45 and the D67.All depends how windy it is outside.Because I live in las vegas

Thanks, nice comparison.

Love my T1550 👌🏻 incredible value

i think the question for the people not the crit racing or pub club cyclist is 11k going to save you the 10 secs from the best to worst (in this test) or can you make a case for doing 15-25 more watts say 2 a days for more leg conditioning or better core strength zone training for a cardio platform?

Glad to see you now actually listened to your viewers and swapped the wheel so that we can know exactly what's responsible for what. I remember then i left a criticizing comment just about this wheel thing on your then Specialized bike review once. However now this one I have nothing to say, fair and clear! I think the result is really interesting, the Scott looks incredible and does indeed looks "very aero". But that Winspace is even more incredible. It looks very plain -- there are tons of similar bikes there, and I believe they didn't test it in a wind tunnel at all. This makes me wondering, how does all those similar bikes compare??? It seems we have reached some plateau of aero bikes. You know what I mean, they all have similar feature and looks almost the same. If you can source some of these bikes, and just do some test exactly like this one, you'll make the cycling community more good than any of other RU-vidrs. Another thing is it will be even more interesting to see Winspace "knock-offs" in the future -- USD 4000 is still a lot of money. Chinese factories can easily cut that to half (I live in China, I just know, that's how they operate on the domestic market, oversee market is considered "profit gold mine"). If something comes at USD 2000 with something that is a little bit less stiff and maybe some cheaper groupset stuff, it will become very interesting.. For me all I care is that aero frame, that's what makes you faster, not that stupid shifters that costs a grand. I'll be more than happy even if it's still 10 speed because aerodynamically it will be the same!

Love this stuff and makes us poor people on a budget realize there's a lot of return put into training and not into fancy equipment. Thanks Jeff!

Great video!

Would be interesting to see the side by side comparison bombing a straight downhill so you can get that 'at speed' comparison!

Cool vid, a couple things but first disclaimer: not advocating for one bike or the other, just pointing out a few potential biases with these types of tests. 1) mentioned in another comment, but doing multiple laps in each condition would help give a sense of how much lap to lap variability there is and maybe control for some of the environmental things like body position, wind etc. 2) show us normalized power too! Are you spending most of your time at low power while making big accelerations over bumps in your 5 mile loop? Are you pedaling on the downhills? I assume you are aiming for consistent power throughout but nP would show how consistent this is. 3) usually the performance gains from the super aero bikes come at the top end, when you’re pushing up against maximum wind resistance. It would be cool to see some top end comparisons as well. 4) would be great to see psi and all the other little variables that could effect performance - how tall are you in a neutral position on each bike? How wide are the bars? Maybe this is over the top but as long as we are geeking out about the aerodynamics…. Love these types of videos though, and i have to agree that its hard to argue buying the $11000 bike strictly for performance reasons for most riders!

I have the G2 gravel frame from Winspace and I have both road and offroad wheelsets and I can confirm that it's indeed really stiff, not only the T1550. :D

An interesting bonus comparison would be comparing the bikes with their optimum tyre setup. If one can run wider tyres than the other and be much faster with wider tyres then surely that's the bike to go for if you're chasing performance? In the case of the Winspace this could also possibly nullify the comfort disadvantage.

Wow I thought my gravel bike was heavy! 17 kg for a carbon bike, must have lead strapped to it.

I legitimately looked for an April 1st upload date after those weights. :D

Thanks for more great “real world” content. Another great push back against the need to spend a million to get faster in real life. It is so refreshing to actually see someone ride IRL than in the imaginary land that is the wind tunnel. Thanks

Try and get a Elves Falath Evo 2023 with the wheelset TH50D, would like to here your opinion on that bike setup. Got 1600 miles on mine, and im lovin it more every time i ride it. Built it with a 105 DI2 and Assioma Duo pedals, comes in at 8,36kg with Gamin mount and bottlecages, for around 3200 bucks for the full build.

Great video. 👍 I've seen a recent video of a scott dealer in the US who was very disappointed with Scott's after sales service and supply chain . Just because they are close doesn't necessarily mean great service

Is the durability of the carbon another factor in the price difference? I have a carbon REI Co-Op road bike and the frame is made in china. I’ve had it for about 3 years and some of the carbon has chipped away on the rear triangle. Still safe to ride but more of a cosmetic issue

id like to see 2012-15 s works tarmac or cannondale supesix evo same era , rim brake obviously...in comparison to a modern bike....because in my own experience I still give the nod to what some would refer to as old school......so yeh...old school vs modern

Winspace just came out with the Agile so very curious to compare the T1550 to the Agile

I have a Winspace with SRAM RED AXS and I love it.

Next pair aero bikes: Giant Propel vs Van Rysel 😊

Maybe my comment is taboo...but I have been curious about the LOOK 795 Blade RS and how it compares to the SL8??

For vast majority of amateur riders who can't go solo at 40 km/h for considerable time - very marginal gains. Yet almost every bike seller highlits aero advantages (a frame, a cable-free cockpit, even pedals), kind of silly development.

Honestly, stiffness (in favor of the Winspace) was probably the determining factor here. More of that power in the pedals is making it to the wheel/road.

I'm sorry I like aero frames but I cannot go disc brakes for crit racing. Disc brakes are good for the casual rider who doesn't care about aerodynamics and does some big descents. It's been proven that the discs are less aero than rim brakes and the stopping force can lead to crashes when braking too hard. Even pros have went over their bars from disc brake hard braking. If I were to build an aero frame for crits, I would find an aero frame that supports rim brakes and have a lighter, more aero bike overall than a disc brake bike.

Remember to weigh yourself before each run, and make the weight equal. The amount we sweat doing these tests is more than most think. Your second test was probably 1kg lighter. Also, there is a reason people do these tests alternating each bike and several times before drawing any conclusions.

A test that would love to see is how much difference in speed there is between a high end road bike against a high end mountain bike. Obviously the road bike will be much faster, but seeing how big the difference is will be interesting. Especially if both tests can be done in an aero position. And another one that I would love to see is a high end mountain bike against a high end gravel bike on a gravel road. But I guess that won't happen on a crit racing channel lol.

Are you going to get the Winspace Agile? It is supposed to be more compliant.

In Mexico crash replacement is paying a discounted frame, not sure in usa is full replacement

Hey Jeff, how does the winspace compare to the TCR a few seasons ago?

Could you please provide a review of the Polygon Helios AX9 bicycle? It is an all-carbon, all-rounder bike that is available at half the price of high-end brands. Thank you for your time and consideration.

How is it possible to swap wheels between SRAM and Shimano? Isn´t there a different free hub system?

I broke my Foil handlebars at nationals last year. I ordered a new pair in August which were said to be on backorder until December. A few months later they said April, in April they told me August. I’ve been towards the front of their waitlist for a while so I think the Syncros handlebar problem is worse than most people realize.

Please test Pinarello Dogma X vs some of the other high end endurance bikes. Like the new Giant Defy with SRAM red axs, or canyon , BMC, etc.etc.. Please do it before I pull the trigger on an endurance bike! Help ..

I've got Conti 32s on my Foil, still lots of clearance.

Jeff. Which power meter pedals did u use in the test ?

I ride a scott foil 20 and I love it fastest bike I’ve ever owned and recommend them!

I would love to see how it compares to a non aero Giant TCR.

You should compare a Ti road bike with Aero or Semi Aero Carbon wheels to a fully Aero Carbon road bike.

you should try velobuild 268 frame

Foil can accomodate 32mm tyres quite well, have tried it.

These videos need to compare for example a 100km ride. How do you feel after as well as the time/watts etc

Closed results in a small test , but múltiply It by a race distance...i think the Weight AND Aero benefits will be much clear

It would be likely the lower spec version of the Scott would have the same frame design with lower spec, heavier components, might be a good comparison

SWorks venge, SL8, swapped out cockpits.

When it comes to the Scott, you will have better luck finding a Winspace sold at a US dealer (yes there are bike shops across the US that sell Winspace in the shop) than the Scott. Scott's high end bikes are like unobtanium and ordering one is quoted at 8+months. I always amazed when I see someone post one, because I and others I've know went hunting and couldn't even find a whiff of carbon when looking for their top spec road and gravel frames.

The previous version had the 1” steerer and came new with a 1 piece bar and shim…

A suggestion is to compare a top aluminum bike verse a carbon bike for crit racing. Like comparing specialized allez sprint verse S-works for crit racing.

A question for you Sir, You say the wider tyres are faster. Is this on wide af rims as well? In other words, if i have jurassic wheels, do i stick with 23s and 25s and aim for the 105% rule?

as a student and a bit broke, a 2014 top end bike vs the same 2024 bike. ie trek madone or specilized tarmac series

weight in pounds not kg btw

4:57 is a sick edit🔥

Maybe do a test on a straightish downhill , no brakes, that might give insight into airo effect at higher speeds?

from all China brand i have. i call Winspace is the best bike. i use Cervelo soloist, i also ride pardus Robin evo, then the last i use LItespeed TI bike, but for now Winspace Agile is my favorite. for people out there who now become old rider. i very recommend this bike from Winspace Agile it very good for old man back. this bike are a combination between shock absorber and verygood climb bike the acceleration is like never i taste before. Pardus Robin evo is also climbing bike but compare with Win Agile Robin road damping quality is not as good as Win Agile in some situation Pardus is very rough, for long ride i test Win agile for 280Kilo ride this bike is a beast it far more comfort than my robin. for city ride pack with traffic you will feel the benefit using Win Agile, it fast it comfort, with new force it very light bike. i never use T1550. but seen my agile this brand will be the next High end killer. it very good bike.

Struggling to hold a 17 pound bike up to weight it! Road cyclist spaghetti arms for the win :)

From my experience the Winspace ride quality is brutal, I now regret not spending an extra $1000 on a more established bike company

If the idea is that the Scott shows its value at higher speeds, then I think you need to repeat the tests at higher speeds - maybe a shorter loop at 350 watts? Or, to really control variables, find a velodrome?

Does the weight of the wheels matter? What were they? This makes me want to put back on my deep wheels lol.,

Compared to the Scott, Winspace does offer "crash protection"... just buy two Winspace bikes with one being a "crash backup" and you'll still come-out money ahead from the Scott!

Very true for most riders you don't need 10-15k bike, maybe why I see them for sale especially if they are married!!! Awesome testing in the real world 👌

Wait, I think we're failing to consider time gained over time though, right? Ostensibly, wouldn't the 10s gain on the Winspace 67mm vs the Scott 50mm add up really quick in a crit setting? That's basically a minute gap in six laps of this loop, yeah?

I have to admit that I'm from the Stone Age (or is it the stoner age), but the idea of a one piece $600 bar/stem, seems insane. For me, it was always Bar plus stem. I also can't get my head around 32mm race tires. I never even used 25mm Tubs for race tires. Just 22mm. Time marches on.

Geee those bikes are heavy AF 😂

I really fell in love with Foil's look, but proprietary stem is a big no-no. Looking at Propel now...

I don’t care about the price difference, that Scott is by far the best looking bike in the peloton. I’m sure you can get it cheaper if you shop around too. I’d love to see what you think of the Scott’s ride quality with the “solid” seatpost fitted.

1:44 LOL I know it was probably a typo but showing 16.8 KG instead of LBS is kinda funny

What about instead of avarage watts NP watts